Thousands of protesters descended upon central London on 13th September 2025 for what organisers called the 'unite the kingdom rally', marking a significant moment in Britain's evolving political landscape. The event featured prominent far-right figures and unusual religious symbolism, signalling a new direction for certain segments of British politics.
The New Face of British Right-Wing Politics
Recent months have witnessed a remarkable transformation within certain circles of the British right, with prominent figures increasingly embracing Christian rhetoric and values. Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, now regularly calls for a return to 'Judeo-Christian' values in his public statements. This shift follows several significant political developments that suggest a coordinated movement.
Earlier this year, former Conservative MP Danny Kruger spoke in Parliament about restoring Britain through what he termed the 'recovery of a Christian politics'. Within two months, Kruger had joined Reform UK, and the party appointed James Orr, a conservative theologian described as JD Vance's 'English philosopher king', as a senior adviser. Both men converted to conservative evangelical Christianity as adults and maintain regular church attendance.
American Influence and Strategic Funding
Powerful American conservative groups are increasingly viewing Britain as fertile ground for expanding their influence. The Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), a US legal advocacy group known for its role in overturning Roe v Wade and opposing LGBTQ+ rights, has dramatically increased its UK operations. Since 2020, ADF has more than doubled its spending in Britain and quadrupled the size of its UK-based team.
The organisation has already begun making its presence felt in British legal and political circles. ADF UK has provided legal support to conservative Christians facing court proceedings for illegally praying within abortion clinic 'buffer zones'. According to reports from the New York Times, this forms part of a long-term strategy to shift public opinion on abortion by framing such cases as free speech issues.
ADF's influence extends beyond legal support. The group has facilitated Nigel Farage's appearance before the House Judiciary Committee in Washington DC, where he spoke for nearly three hours about what he described as the 'awful authoritarian' situation for free speech in the UK. The organisation also trains student groups in Britain and hosts seminars on campus free speech issues.
Changing Religious Dynamics in Far-Right Politics
The embrace of Christianity by figures like Tommy Robinson, who converted to evangelical Christianity while imprisoned at HMP Woodhill, reflects a broader strategic shift among European far-right groups. These movements are increasingly emphasising religion over ethnicity in their political messaging, with Christianity becoming synonymous with cultural identity in their rhetoric.
This approach allows figures like Robinson to reframe anti-Islam politics as a defence of Christian values. Meanwhile, Danny Kruger has argued that Islam is moving 'into the space from which Christianity has been ejected', adding religious justification to concerns about immigration and national identity.
The September rally in London demonstrated this new approach, featuring pastors leading worship songs and delivering speeches in a style reminiscent of American evangelical mass politics. However, not all Christians have embraced this development. Neville Watson, Reform UK's only black branch chair, defected to the Christian People's Alliance in October, expressing shock at the Islamophobia present at the rally and declaring that those present were advancing 'an ideology that is not Christian'.
Potential Consequences for British Politics
This merging of religious and political agendas could have significant implications for Britain's largely secular political tradition. While recent surveys show most British people support legal abortion, there are signs that younger generations may be more receptive to restrictions. A summer survey found that less than half of men aged 16-34 believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases, compared to 82% of men aged 55-77.
This generational divide presents an opportunity for campaigners seeking to shift public opinion. The issue has historically proven effective for right-wing movements, as demonstrated in 1970s America where abortion was tied to various perceived social ills and used to unify different conservative factions.
The growing influence of well-funded American conservative groups in Britain serves as a stark reminder of how public consensus can be shaped by discreet networks with substantial financial resources. As British political figures increasingly adopt Christian rhetoric and align with international conservative movements, the nation's political landscape may be heading toward uncharted territory.
